Bellone, Legislator Stern and Long Island Ducks Announce Return of Heroes of the Game Program for 2016 Season

Suffolk County & Long Island Ducks to honor a Suffolk County veteran at every home game for the second consecutive year

(Suffolk County, NY-March 29, 2016) – Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone, Legislator Steve Stern, the Long Island Ducks and New York Community Bank jointly announce the return of the Heroes of the Game program for the second consecutive season, which will publicly honor local veterans and active duty service men and women during all home games this season. More than 125 local veterans and active military personnel were honored during the 2015 season.

“Suffolk County is home to nearly 100,000 veterans, the largest veterans population in New York State. It is our obligation to provide our local heroes with the services they need once they come back home,” said Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone. “The Heroes of the Game program is a wonderful way for thousands of local baseball fans each game to learn about our heroes’ stories and as a way to say thank you to our veterans for the sacrifices they have made to protect our freedom.”

“The partnership between Suffolk County and the Long Island Ducks to honor our veterans is a home run,” Suffolk County Legislator Steve Stern said. “Our veterans are not only the Heroes of the Game, they are our heroes every day and it is an honor for all of us to say thank you in such a meaningful way.”

"The Ducks are pleased to be able to continue this terrific program," said Ducks President/GM Michael Pfaff. "The feedback we received from fans, veterans, sponsors and the community has been tremendously positive and we're looking forward to another great season saluting those we owe so much to."

The Long Island Ducks, along with the support of the QuackerJack Foundation, will honor at least one veteran or active service member at every home game during the 2016 season for their service. Each Hero of the Game will receive 10 complimentary tickets to the game at which they will be honored, so that they may bring their family and friends.

“New York Community Bank is grateful to have the opportunity to sponsor the “Heroes of the Game,” explained Kelly Leung, SVP Corporate Communications. “NYCB is committed to the communities we serve and to those that have served our country. We know these games will provide lifelong memories for every person honored.”

All honorees will additionally receive access to the Duck Club – the team’s elite restaurant and bar reserved for season ticket and luxury suite holders – located on the club level directly behind home plate.

Veterans and active duty personnel can register to be recognized as of one of the Heroes of the Night by calling Alexandra VanDerlofske (631)853-5020 or through email at Alexandra.VanDerlofske@suffolkcountyny.gov.